About the song
Jeannie C. Riley – Harper Valley P.T.A.: A Timeless Tale of Hypocrisy
Remember the days when a simple country song could pack a powerful punch? Jeannie C. Riley’s 1968 hit, “Harper Valley P.T.A.,” did just that. It wasn’t your typical country tune; it was a sharp social commentary wrapped in a catchy melody.
Have you ever felt like you were being judged by a group of people who thought they were better than you? That’s the heart of this song. Riley, through her character, challenges the hypocrisy and small-mindedness often found in close-knit communities. The P.T.A., or Parent-Teacher Association, is used as a symbol of these judgmental folks who are quick to point fingers but slow to look in the mirror.
The song’s narrator finds herself at odds with the Harper Valley P.T.A. when she refuses to conform to their narrow-minded standards. She’s accused of being an unfit mother because she doesn’t fit into their mold of what a perfect housewife should be. But as the song unfolds, we learn that many of the women in the P.T.A. have their own secrets and flaws.
What makes “Harper Valley P.T.A.” so enduring is its universal theme. Even today, people from all walks of life can relate to the feeling of being judged or misunderstood. Riley’s lyrics are both witty and insightful, and they’ve stood the test of time.
The song’s impact can be attributed to several factors. First, the catchy melody and upbeat tempo make it easy to listen to. Second, the lyrics are simple and straightforward, yet they convey a complex message. And third, Riley’s powerful vocals bring the song to life.
“Harper Valley P.T.A.” was more than just a hit song; it was a cultural phenomenon. It sparked conversations about conformity, hypocrisy, and the importance of being true to oneself. The song’s message resonated with people of all ages and backgrounds, and it helped to pave the way for future generations of female artists who were unafraid to speak their minds.
So, next time you hear “Harper Valley P.T.A.,” take a moment to appreciate the song’s timeless message and the woman who brought it to life. Jeannie C. Riley may have been singing about a small town in the 1960s, but her words continue to echo in our hearts today.
Video
Lyrics
I wanna tell you all a story ’bout
A Harper Valley widowed wife
Who had a teenage daughter
Who attended Harper Valley Junior High
Well, her daughter came home one afternoon
And didn’t even stop to play
And she said, “mom, I got a note here from the Harper Valley PTA”
Well, the note said, “Mrs. Johnson
You’re wearin’ your dresses way too high
It’s reported you’ve been drinking
And a-running ’round with men and goin’ wild
And we don’t believe you oughta be a-bringin’ up
Your little girl this way”
And it was signed by the Secretary
Harper Valley PTA
Well, it happened that the PTA was gonna meet
That very afternoon
And they were sure surprised
When Mrs. Johnson wore her miniskirt into the room
And as she walked up to the blackboard
I can still recall the words she had to say
She said, “I’d like to address this meeting of the Harper Valley PTA
Well, there’s Bobby Taylor sittin’ there
And seven times he’s asked me for a date
And Mrs. Taylor sure seems to use a lotta ice
Whenever he’s away
And Mr. Baker can you tell us why
Your secretary had to leave this town?
And shouldn’t widow Jones be told to keep
Her window shades all pulled completely down
Well, Mr. Harper couldn’t be here
‘Cause he stayed too long at Kelly’s Bar again
And if you smell Shirley Thompson’s breath
You’ll find she’s had a little nip of gin
And then you have the nerve to tell me
You think that as the mother I’m not fit
Well, this is just a little Peyton Place
And you’re all Harper Valley hypocrites”
No, I wouldn’t put you on because it really did
It happened just this way
The day my mama socked it to the Harper Valley PTA
The day my mama socked it to the Harper Valley PTA